The spirited world of mixology

GSN Review: Mandarine XO Grande Reserve

There are few world-class spirits that are both limited in production and availability. It just so happens that one of the best is made with Mandarine oranges and cognac. (See my previous review of the original Mandarine Napoleon here).

Mandarine XO Grande Reserve is made with 30-year-old Grande Champagne cognac, and 27 different spices. This particular year’s bottling is limited to only 900 available worldwide. The next time it will be available will be in early 2014, so best get your bottle today before they’re all gone! Better be prepared to pay well tho,’ as the retail price is $350 per bottle. Santé!

Mandarine XO Grande Reserve (80 proof)Visual: Orange tinged golden honey.Nose: Rich, dark cognac with a layer of gentle mandarin orange.Taste: Ultra smooth and supremely elegant with a burst of bright orange flavor. Some honey notes quickly follow, with just the slightest hint of spice. A luxurious high-proof liqueur.Finish: Round tones of sweet orange linger in continuous waves of preserved citrus fruit. Just when you think the experience is ending, it comes back again for a gentler round of sensuality. The cognac plays its supporting role well.Overall: If I were stuck on a desert island with only one bottle of orange flavored spirit of any kind, this would be it.GSN Rating: A+